Muhsin Hendricks (June – 15 February ) was a South African imam, Islamic scholar and LGBTQ activist. He was involved in various LGBTQ Muslim advocacy groups and was an advocate for greater acceptance of LGBTQ people within Islam. Reverend Toni Kruger-Ayebazibwe, an openly gay Christian cleric, told the BBC that Hendricks was a "gentle spirit" who brought light into any room he occupied. The year-old was shot dead in what appeared to be a hit on Saturday in the small coastal city of Gqeberha. Initial reports that Cape Town-based Hendricks had been in Gqeberha to perform the wedding ceremony of a gay couple have been dismissed as untrue by his Al-Gurbaah Foundation.
Cape Town-based Imam Muhsin Hendricks founded The Inner Circle almost 30 years ago in his garage as a safe space for queer Muslims. RNS photo by Brian Pellot. Gay Hendricks joins us on The Align Podcast, sharing his infinite wisdom on relationships and mind-body transformation that he has applied to his work for over 30 years. In this episode, you can expect to learn about your limiting beliefs , the importance of owning your flaws , discovering your true potential , finding peace in your relationship, and plenty more! This one is overflowing with such beautiful and honest insights, from a man who has dedicated his life to teaching others to love everything.
Hendricks traveled extensively in Africa and Europe and worked with organizations such as International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), Global Queer Muslim Network, and the Global Interfaith Network, to educate and advocate for justice and equality for LGBTQ Muslims. The imam, who ran a mosque intended as a safe haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims, was in a car with another person on Saturday when a vehicle stopped in front of them and blocked their exit, police said. A police spokesperson confirmed to AFP the authenticity of a video on social media that purported to show a targeted killing in Bethelsdorp near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association denounced the killing.
Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam, dedicated his life to bridging Islam and LGBTQ+ identity. He founded safe spaces for queer Muslims, challenged conservative interpretations, and promoted compassion through faith. In February , he was tragically killed in a targeted shooting in South Africa, but his legacy of courage and inclusion lives on., People, Times Now. Skip to content Skip to main menu Skip to more DW sites. Latest videos Latest audio. Regions Africa Asia Europe Latin America Middle East North America Germany.
Muhsin Hendricks (June – 15 February ) was a South African imam, Islamic scholar and LGBTQ activist. He was involved in various LGBTQ Muslim advocacy groups and was an advocate for greater acceptance of LGBTQ people within Islam. Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islam and Head of Department, University College Cork. Amanullah De Sondy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. University College Cork provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.
Most headlines call him the “world’s first openly gay imam,” a newsworthy descriptor but hardly the whole story. Beyond Muhsin’s work with queer Muslims, he was a pillar of queer rights activism. .
Imam Muhsin Hendricks, widely considered to be the first openly gay imam, was born in Cape Town, South Africa, in June His family was traditional Muslim; his grandfather was an Islamic cleric. .
Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam, dedicated his life to bridging Islam and LGBTQ+ identity. He founded safe spaces for queer Muslims, challenged conservative interpretations, and promoted compassion through faith. .